Cuba develops 2C12 cancer drug candidate for melanoma

Scientists at Cuba’s Center for Molecular Immunology (CIM) have developed a new therapeutic candidate, 2C12, designed to treat advanced melanoma. The drug functions by stimulating the body’s immune response to recognize and attack cancer cells, sharing similar characteristics with the internationally used immunotherapy pembrolizumab.

Development of 2C12 is a response to the high cost of international oncology drugs and the difficulties Cuba faces in acquiring medical supplies due to the economic, commercial, and financial blockade imposed by the United States. Officials noted that pembrolizumab is often inaccessible due to its high price and trade restrictions.

Clinical trials for the first stage of 2C12 will be conducted at several hospitals in Havana, including the National Institute of Oncology and Radiobiology and the Hermanos Ameijeiras Clinical-Surgical Hospital, as well as in Villa Clara at the Dr. Celestino Hernández Robau Oncology-University Hospital. The studies will focus on patients with advanced skin cancer that cannot be treated through surgery.